Biodegradation of Some Organic Flotation Reagents by Bacillus polymyxa

The soil bacterium Bacillus polymyxa is shown to effectively remove organic flotation collectors such as dodecyl amine, diamine, sodium isopropyl xanthate, and sodium oleate from alkaline solutions. Adsorption and bacterial growth studies indicated enhanced surface affinity of the amine collectors toward the bacterial cells. All the above organic reagents could be efficiently removed from alkaline solutions through bacterial interaction. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra during biodegradation of these reagents revealed the stages in biodegradation. Possible mechanisms are outlined.